CBMM’s Rising Tide Boatshop program is geared towards 6th grade students in Talbot County. The program is a pilot initiative in collaboration with the YMCA of the Chesapeake, and it began with one of two, six-week after-school boatbuilding sessions offered to students in November of 2015. The program is funded through philanthropic support, and it is intended to create a nurturing environment in which students can learn basic boatbuilding skills. Students are taught woodworking skills, safety procedures, and other basic skills that they can apply to building small projects. The program aims to empower students, building their confidence and sense of pride while also facilitating mentorships with shipwright educators, which will provide crucial guidance and support during this key period in their development.
The goal of the boatshop program is to provide a positive learning experience for students, introducing them to basic woodworking skills and encouraging them to explore their creativity in a welcoming environment. The program is designed to instill self-confidence and pride in each student, giving them a sense of accomplishment and ownership over their work. In addition, mentorships with experienced educators allow students to establish meaningful connections with adults who can guide them through the challenges of adolescence and help them make healthy choices as they mature.
The boatshop program is structured around a series of six-week sessions, each of which involves hands-on instruction in essential boatbuilding skills. During the sessions, students learn to use basic hand tools, develop an understanding of woodworking techniques, and build small projects that they can take home. Safety is a key focus throughout the program, and students are taught the importance of wearing protective gear such as eye and ear protection while working with tools. Each session culminates in a celebratory event in which students and their families come together to showcase their completed projects.
The boatshop program is designed to create a safe and inclusive learning environment for students of all abilities, backgrounds, and interests. The program’s success is measured by the degree to which students enjoy their learning experience, gain valuable skills and knowledge, and develop positive relationships with their peers and mentors. The program’s broader impact extends far beyond the individual students, as it helps to create a sense of community engagement and social consciousness in the wider community.
Overall, the Rising Tide Boatshop program is a valuable initiative that aims to inspire students and help them develop key skills that will be useful in their future endeavors. By creating a supportive and nurturing environment in which students can learn and grow, the program gives students the tools they need to succeed in all areas of their lives. Whether they choose to pursue a career in boatbuilding or another field entirely, students who participate in the boatshop program will be better prepared to tackle the challenges of the future with self-confidence, pride, and resilience.
Posted by Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Photos on 2016-03-10 22:25:06